Annie's Mailbox: I consider myself a very jealous woman

Dear Annie: I am an unbelievably jealous woman. I don't trust anyone around my husband, not even my sister. The root of this jealousy is the fact that several former boyfriends cheated on me, and sometimes it was with close friends and family members, my sister included.

My husband assures me he will never have an affair, but I still fear he will find someone better. I love my husband very much and only want to make him happy. I don't want to push him away because I'm behaving stupidly. Please help me get a handle on my jealousy.

- Lost in Nebraska

Dear Nebraska: Your past experiences have made you understandably insecure. But you are smart to recognize that extreme jealousy is a problem and realize you need to work on it. Please get some counseling and learn ways to put your fears into perspective and not allow them to take over your life.

Dear Annie: I am compelled to respond to those men who say they can't meet women. I am 61 years old and divorced. My husband was tall, dark and handsome, and a narcissistic bully who verbally and emotionally abused our children and me.

Men often tell me I'm attractive, but I had no intention of getting romantically involved again. However, because I enjoy the company of men, I checked several online dating communities. What a treasure trove! You need to be vigilant and cautious, but an amazing thing happened. One of the many men with whom I was communicating became a good friend. Before meeting him, I was already completely smitten with this intelligent, sensitive, amazing human being. I was surprised, but not turned off, when I met him, and he was heavy, humble, unattractive and younger.

But he not only listens, he hears me, responds and genuinely cares.

- Woman With Gift

Dear Woman: Thank you for pointing out that good things can come in unexpected packaging. We are delighted you found each other.